Senior captain Seth Trimble describes UNC's recent struggles

Are the North Carolina Tar Heels' struggles a cause for concern? Or do those struggles signify a much-improved ACC?

On Saturday afternoon, UNC lost its second-straight game, an 84-78 battle with Cal in Berkeley. North Carolina's (14-4, 2-3 ACC) defense was a major letdown once again , allowing the Golden Bears (14-5, 2-4 ACC) to shoot over 50% from the field, including a 54 percent mark from deep.

After entering conference play with a 12-1 record, the Tar Heels are quickly falling back to earth, losing three of their past fives games.

When asked postgame about his team's struggles, UNC senior captain Seth Trimble insisted there is no cause for concern.

“It’s nothing culture-related. It’s nothing team-wise,” Trimble said via Tar Heel Tribune's R.L. Bynum . “There’s no beef with anybody. It’s just putting feelings aside. That’s pretty much. Just manning up, coming to the realization that we’ve got to be some men and start winning some games on the road."

"I think you look at all the great teams the last few years,” Trimble continued. “They don’t succeed in March without facing adversity in these times. I’m not worried about it. I know it’s just a bump in the road.”

Trimble played solid offensively, scoring 12 points, dishing out four assists and grabbing two rebounds. Caleb Wilson (17), Derek Dixon and Henri Veesaar (14 points) all scored in double-digits, so it's no secret offense is cicking.

Notre Dame should be an easy win for North Carolina on Wednesday, then a Saturday trip to ranked Virginia will prove to be another tough cookie.

Is this stretch really just a bump in the road for UNC, or it is the sign of greater issues?

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Seth Trimble says UNC's "bump in road" will help down stretch